Every Saturday, Ryan Phelan hunts for the most reliable locks to strengthen your multi bets. By analysing race maps, sectional times, and key trainer/driver combinations, he delivers sharp insights to add confidence – and a touch of excitement – to your harness racing, thoroughbred, or sports multis.
Each selection is rated with low, medium, or high confidence and includes a suggested place or win price. The goal? Minimise risk, maximise consistency, and stack the odds in your favour for a strong overall return.
Race 1 – 2200m Trot
1/7 Jilliby Dreamlover – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
Jilliby Dreamlover is emerging as one of the top-tier excitement machines produced by the powerful Lee stable. She continues to step up in grade, aided by her blistering gate speed that allows her to take control early and run strong time.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.20
Race 2 – 2200m Pace
2/8 Uniquely Ideal – Mark Pitt/Emma Stewart
Uniquely Ideal has been freshened since the Vicbred Series, where she may have been a touch high in class but still ran credibly. She meets a more experienced field here, but profiles well based on the times she’s capable of running.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.80
Race 3 – 2200m Pace
3/8 Zanda Man – Jackie Barker/Rod Barker
Don’t let the tracks he’s been racing at fool you, Zanda Man is city class and clearly going places. His wins this preparation as a 3YO have been most impressive, often against more experienced horses. This looks a race where he can announce himself.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $3.40
Race 4 – 2200m The Delvin Dancer 4 & 5yo Trotters (L)
4/7 Jilliby Ballerini – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
This looks a lock to be leg two of what could be a dominant night for the Lee camp. Jilliby Ballerini may be the number two seed in the stable, but the way she is tracking she continues to improve. These conditions are perfect for her to win again.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.10
Race 5 – 2200m Ballarat Trotters Cup (G2)
5/6 Keayang Zahara – Jason Lee/Marg & Paddy Lee
What a moment this shapes to be for champion Keayang Zahara. She’s been accustomed to doing things easily, but the way the draw has fallen she’ll be tested. It should make for an exciting contest, but she has the class to do it tough and still stay alive for the rich bonus on offer.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.10
Race 6 – 2710m Ballarat Pacing Cup (G2)
6/7 Leap To Fame – Grant Dixon/Grant Dixon
An enthralling edition of the Ballarat Pacing Cup, adding another chapter to the gripping rivalry between champion Leap To Fame and emerging superstar Kingman. The draw has stitched up more favourably for Leap To Fame this week, and I expect “Larry” to bounce back in a big way.
Confidence: High Rated Win Price: $1.60
Race 7 – 1710m The Make Mine Cullen (G3)
7/7 Eye Keep Smiling – Luke McCarthy/Luke McCarthy
This is just the second time Victorian tracks are graced by superstar mare Eye Keep Smiling, who is chasing 12 wins from her past 13 starts. She’s nearly unbeatable against her own sex and despite drawing wide and likely having to earn it the hard way first-up, she’s often proven a class above.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.50
Race 8 – 1710m FFA
8/6 Smoken Ace – James Herbertson/Kyle Marshall
The scratching of Code Bailey makes things a lot easier for Smoken Ace to roll to the top. He’s been flying this preparation and this distance and track looks to suit his racing style perfectly.
Confidence: Medium Rated Win Price: $1.70
For all your harness form in one place go to goodform.thetrots.com.au
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